ADRA HELPS: Local indigenous families near the Tunguruhua volcano in Ecuador receive masks and eye solution courtesy of ADRA at the request of the nation's Ministry of Health. Many local residents have chosen not to leave their family's land despite the governmetn's request to evacuate.

he Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) last month distributed disposable face masks and eye solution to an estimated 4,500 families living near an active volcano in Ecuador.

Local officials declared the region a health hazard and asked residents to evacuate, but many indigenous families living nearby have chosen to stay on their family land. Ecuador’s Ministry of Health appealed to ADRA for support.

Face masks serve to reduce inhalation of volcanic ash particles from the Tungurahua volcano, which again became active in late November. Eyedrops help alleviate severe redness and burning caused by ash.
Tungurahua is located roughly 90 miles (145 kilometers) south of the capital city of Quito. It has been steadily active since 1999, with only a few eruptions.

ADRA is working in the affected zones of Cantón Baños de Agua Santa, Cantón Pelileo, and Oriental del Cantón Guano.

Prior to this latest volcanic eruption, ADRA has been present in the region, training community leaders in techniques of evacuation and hazard preparation, in an effort to save lives. In addition, ADRA is training families to prevent diseases caused by volcanic ash.